Apparatus for adjusting the elevation of a planar surface with selectively adjustable caps

ABSTRACT

An adjustable head is provided for selective interconnection to a vertical elevation support device and which is adapted for aligning, supporting or positioning an object in a given location.

[0001] This application is a Continuation-In-Part of pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/575,335, filed May 19, 2000, entitled “Methodand Apparatus for Selectively Adjusting the Elevation of an Undulatingor Planar Surface” and is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to construction apparatus, and morespecifically a device which can be used to selectively adjust theheight, level and orientation of a building surface such as a walk, deckor porch during the construction therein, and which includes a pluralityof adjustable caps for different applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] During the construction of patios, decks, floors and otherbuilding surfaces, it is imperative that a level surface or a surfacewith a gradual, consistent grade be maintained. This is most oftenaccomplished over ground surfaces which are uneven, non-level anddifficult to work with. Previous attempts have been made by builders toeffectively eliminate this problem, including leveling the unevensurface by hand or with machinery, using wedge shims, spacers andselectively cutting numerous vertical support work pieces until theproper length and resultant grade is obtained. Unfortunately, all of theaforementioned methods are time consuming, generally ineffective andexpensive.

[0004] One possible solution to the aforementioned problem was disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,264 to Buzon (hereinafter the ′264 patent). Inthe ′264 patent, a leveling device was disclosed which included atubular stem which was threadingly coupled with a crown member and afoot member. To adjust the elevation of a work surface such as a patiodeck, the tubular stem was rotated either counter clockwise into a basemember to increase the height of the leveling device, or rotatedclockwise to decrease the height of the leveling device. This deviceallowed portions of the work surface to be raised or lowered quickly andeffectively without having to ad shims, move dirt or cut additionallumber or other materials.

[0005] The devices disclosed and covered in the ′264 patent have aspecific limited range of height since differing units can only beraised within a range of approximately 3 inches. Thus, the device isvery limited in use and one unit cannot be used in a majority ofsituations where a custom fit piece is required to level a buildingsurface. Further, no type of non-skid shim plates were provided in the′264 patent to prevent shifting of the building surface resting on theadjustable leveling device. Additionally, no attachable shims orcouplings are provided to quickly modify the total height of theadjustable leveling device or bring the support element into a morevertical position. Thus, the use of shims and other make-shift workpieces are often required in combination with the leveling apparatuswhich is both time consuming and quite ineffective.

[0006] Another problem associated with prior art leveling devices is theinability to use non-threaded pipe such as inexpensive plastic PVC pipe,which can quickly be cut to a desired height. Further, there are not anyknown coupling devices which are adapted or receiving a non-threadedpipe or one end, and a second threaded pipe on an opposing end which canbe used to selectively adjust the elevation of the adjustment member andassociated building surface.

[0007] Another problem found in the art is the inability to utilize astandard vertical adjustment aperture with a plurality of removable“heads” which are adapted for a multiplicity of uses. For example, onetype of head may be designed to align and support a structural membersuch as a beam or stud, while a different type of head may include oneor more projections designed to support a grating material. Otheradjustable heads may be designed to support pipe or any other type ofmaterial where elevation and alignment are critical.

[0008] Thus, there is a strong need in the construction trades andindustry in general for a leveling device which is simplistic to use, isstable, can be modified on site with common hand tools, and which can beexpandable with a variety of accessory components to provide a widerange of selectively adjustable lengths.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is thus one aspect of the present invention to provide anadjustable leveling apparatus which can be modified quickly and easilywith a portable hand saw to accommodate a variety of different lengthsto support a deck, porch floors or mechanical equipment (such as pumps)or other similar building surfaces. The leveling device can be usedindependently, or more commonly with a plurality of other adjustablesupport devices to create a level surface or a surface with a slightgrade for drainage purposes.

[0010] It is another aspect of the present invention that the levelingdevice be selectively expandable to a much greater length by the use ofa coupling mechanism which allows the interconnection of at least twodistinct lengths of tubular stem material. Additionally, in anotheraspect of the present invention the tubular stem is integrallyinterconnected to a base member. In this configuration the total lengthof the adjustable support piece is significantly reduced and can be usedin situations where the vertical clearance between an upper buildingsurface and a lower surface is less than about three inches.

[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, a base member isprovided which supports the tubular stem and crown member, and which hasa greatly increased and widened base surface to provide stability.Further, the base member may have a plurality of drainage weep holes toallow water to drain through the substrate to avoid freezing andpotential breakage. Further, a plurality of attachment apertures may beprovided to receive nails, screws and other attachment hardware to allowthe base member to be interconnected to a lower building surface.

[0012] It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide acrown member which is screwed onto the tubular stem member and which canbe raised or lowered to selectively adjust the total height of theleveling apparatus. The top of the crown member preferably includes aplurality of alignment tabs which are used to align the constructionmaterials such as a wood deck panel, a patio paver, cement block orframing joist. Alternatively, one or more of the alignment tabs can bequickly removed to provide a flat support surface.

[0013] It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide aremovable crown coupling member which matingly engages the upper planarsurface of the crown member to provide slightly more length to theadjustable support piece. Preferably, the crown coupling member has aplurality of vertically extending alignment tabs which are used to alignthe building surface. Further, a non-skid pad may be provided which fitson either the upper planar surface of the crown coupling member. Thenon-skid pad is preferably made of a rubber, and has a sufficientcoefficient of friction to prevent the deck panels or stone pavers orother common materials from shifting on the adjustable support pieceafter installation.

[0014] It is yet a further aspect of the present invention to provide aselectively adjustable support member which utilizes at least onenon-threaded pipe and associated coupling and base or crown member. Thusa non-threaded pipe can be utilized to interconnect a crown member to anupper portion of a coupling, or alternatively to interconnect a basemember to a lower portion of the coupling. In either embodiment it isanticipated that a threaded pipe would additionally be utilized to allowthe selectively adjustable support member to be adjusted to a desiredvertical height.

[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, a head or “cap”member is provided which may be removably interconnected to an upperportion of the crown member, and which has any number or geometricconfigurations designed to support, align or position a structuralmember such as a beam, stud or pipe. In one embodiment of the presentinvention the head member may have a plurality of pins or studsprojecting downward which matingly engages one or more aperturespositioned in an upper surface of the crown member. As appreciated byone skilled in the art, the head member may be interconnected to anupper portion of the crown by various other means such as hardware, i.e.screw on nails, adhesive materials or other ways known in the art.Further, the geometric configurations on the upper portion of the headmember may include one or more rails aligned in a parallel orperpendicular orientation, one or more male studs or pins projectingupwards to receive a grating material, or a “V” or “U” shaped guideswith one or more rollers positioned thereon to support a pipe andaccommodate movement as a result of thermal expansion or contraction.Thus, the number of possible geometric configurations which may beutilized in conjunction with the selectively removable head member arelimited only by the type and nature of material or structure designed tobe supported or aligned on top of the head.

[0016] Thus, in one aspect of the present invention, a removable,multi-purpose head which is adapted for selective use with a verticallyadjustable support member is provided, comprising:

[0017] a substantially planar surface;

[0018] an attachment means interconnected to a lower surface of saidsubstantially planar surface which is adapted for removableinterconnection to an upper portion of the vertically adjustable supportmember; and

[0019] an alignment means interconnected to said substantially planarsurface which is adapted for at least one of supporting, aligning orpositioning an object at a specific vertical elevation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present invention beingused to support a building surface such as wood decking and/or concretepavers;

[0021]FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing the adjustable supportpiece in various stages of assembly and supporting a building surface;

[0022]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the adjustable support piece showingthe base member, two tubular stems for interconnection with a coupling,and a crown member for interconnection to the upper tubular stem;

[0023]FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an assembled adjustablesupport piece and identifying a non-skid shim plate which fits on theupper planar surface of the crown member;

[0024]FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the adjustable support piece andfurther identifying a crown coupling member which matingly engages theupper planar surface of the crown member to provide a slight increase inthe total length of the adjustable support piece; and

[0025]FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment ofthe present invention where the tubular stem is integrallyinterconnected to the base member, thus reducing the total height of theadjustable support piece.

[0026]FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of one embodiment of the presentinvention with a head or cap member used to support a pipe and includinga roller or glide surface;

[0027]FIG. 7A is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG.7B without the pipe positioned on a multi-purpose head;

[0028]FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of thepresent invention wherein the head is used to support intersectingbuilding materials such as studs positioned at a right angle;

[0029]FIG. 8A is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG.8;

[0030]FIG. 8B is an alternative embodiment of the invention shown inFIG. 8 and used to support a single 2×4 stud;

[0031]FIG. 8C is an alternative embodiment of the present invention usedto support wider building materials;

[0032]FIG. 8D is an alternative embodiment of the invention shown inFIG. 8 and used to support a facia/rim joist;

[0033]FIG. 8E is a front perspective view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 8B, and identifying the positioning of a stud;

[0034]FIG. 8F is a front elevation view of one embodiment of the presentinvention and identifying the positioning of various frame and plankmaterials on top of an adjustable pedestal with selectively removableheads;

[0035]FIG. 8G is a frontelevation view of an alternative embodiment ofthe invention shown in FIG. 8F in use with different building materials;

[0036]FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a head ofthe present invention shown being positioned on an adjustable supportpiece;

[0037]FIG. 9A is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG.9 taken along line “AA”;

[0038]FIG. 9B is a top plan view of a portion of the embodiment shown inFIG. 9;

[0039]FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional front elevation view of theembodiment shown in FIG. 9 and having an optional drive headconfiguration;

[0040]FIG. 10 is an exploded front perspective view of one headembodiment of the present invention shown positioned above an adjustablesupport piece;

[0041]FIG. 10A is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG.10;

[0042]FIG. 10B is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 andfurther including a section of grating material positioned thereon;

[0043]FIG. 11 is an alternative head embodiment of the present inventionshown in a front perspective view positioned above an adjustable supportpiece;

[0044]FIG. 11A is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG.11;

[0045]FIG. 11B is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11,and further including two sections of grating;

[0046]FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention; and

[0047]FIG. 12A is a top plan view of the invention shown in FIG. 12, andwhich is designed for use with 4 distinct sheets of grating material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 identifies three adjustablesupport pieces 2 of the present invention positioned below a buildingsurface to provide support therein. As seen in this drawing, the supportpieces 2 are typically positioned between a substantially planar surfaceof a lower building surface and an upper building surface such as apatio deck. For example, a concrete paver 28 may be positioned on top ofcompacted soil 24 to provide a lower support surface while a concretepaver 28 or alternatively wood decking material 26 is positioned on topof the adjustable support piece 2 to provide an upper building surface.Depending on the uneven elevation of the compacted soil 24, it isnecessary for the various corners of the adjustable support pieces 2 tobe independently raised and/or lowered to effectively obtain a levelbuilding surface. Thus, as seen in FIG. 1, the adjustable support piece2 on the right hand corner is raised to a greater elevation than theadjustable support piece 2 positioned in the middle due to the lowerelevation of the compacted soil 24 shown on the right hand portion ofthe drawing.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 2, the adjustable support piece 2 isgenerally shown being used to support two concrete pavers 28 and furtheridentifying exploded views of the adjustable support piece 2. Morespecifically, the adjustable support piece 2 is comprised of a basemember 4, a tubular stem 8, and a crown member 6 which is interconnectedto the upper portion of the tubular stem 8. For assembly purposes, thetubular stem 8 is threadingly engaged to inner integral threads 10positioned within the base member 4 on a lower end, and on an upper endto a crown member 6 which additionally has integral vertical threads 10extending therefrom. Generally, the tubular stem 8 has an originallength at least about 4 times greater than the height of each of thebase member 4 and the crown member 6. In a preferred embodiment, thecrown member 6 and base member 4 each have a vertical height of about1.50 inches, while the tubular stem 8 has an original overall length ofapproximately 12 inches.

[0050] To effectively use the adjustable support piece 2 to selectivelylevel a building surface, an approximate height of the desired totalheight of the adjustable support piece 2 is calculated depending on theapproximate elevated height of the upper building surface. Once thisheight is determined, the tubular stem 8 is typically cut with aportable hand saw and miter box and/or a power saw such as a sawsall. Byeffectively cutting the length of the tubular stem 8 for any givenapplication, a significant amount of flexibility can be obtained bycreating an adjustable support piece 2 which has a minimum length ofabout 2.25 inches, and/or a total maximum height using one tubular stemof about 15 inches. This flexibility allows the adjustable support piece2 to be used in a wide variety of applications to effectively support abuilding surface such as a patio deck.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention shown inFIG. 3, two separate tubular stems 8 may be interconnected by the use ofa threaded coupling 12 to make an adjustable support piece 2 having alength effectively two times longer than an adjustable support piece 2which utilizes only one tubular stem 8. This flexibility is especiallybeneficial in applications where there is a significant elevationdifferential between one position of a building surface and another.

[0052] The base member 4 is generally comprised of a plastic materialsuch as polyethylene or nylon which is resistant to mold, mildew, androtting when exposed to moist conditions. In general, the base member 4has a substantially planar lower surface adapted for resting on anopposing flat surface such as a concrete paver or ground surface.Extending upwardly from the substantially planar surface is a verticalcylindrical member with integral threads 10 positioned therein which areadapted for receiving the tubular stem 8. For reinforcement and supportpurposes a plurality of support fins 20 preferably interconnect thevertically extending tubular piece of the base member 4 to thesubstantially planar member on the bottom. In a preferred embodiment,the width of the base member 4 is about 8 inches although lengthsbetween about 6 inches and 12 inches would be quite effective. Asfurther seen in FIG. 3, the base member 4 may additionally have aplurality of drainage weep holes 30 to allow water to drain from withinthe base member 4. Additionally, a plurality of base apertures 18 may beprovided to receive a nail, screw, or other piece of attachment hardwareto interconnect the base member 4 to a lower building surface such as awood beam, or concrete paver. Additionally, gloves or adhesive may beused to attach the base member 4 to a lower building surface in certainapplications.

[0053] The tubular stem 8 is preferably comprised of a plastic materialsuch as a polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, or other similar material.Preferably the tubular stem 8 has integral threads extending from afirst lower end to a second higher end, with a rate of twist ofapproximately 5 threads per inch. The tubular stem has a preferrednormal diameter of between about 3 inches and 5 inches and morepreferably about 4 inches. Additionally, the tubular stem 8 has a lengthof at least about four times the vertical height of either the basemember 4 and crown member 6. This increased initial length of thetubular stem 8 allows the assembled adjustable support piece 2 to beused initially in applications requiring a support piece with a lengthof about 24 inches, or the tubular stem can be quickly cut with a handsaw to provide a support piece 2 with a length of only about 2.25inches.

[0054] Referring again to FIG. 3, the threaded coupling 12 is designedto be positioned between two tubular stem members 8 to effectivelyincrease the overall length of the adjustable support piece 2. Similarto the base member 4 and crown member 6, the threaded coupling 12 ispreferably constructed of a plastic material such as polyethylene,polypropylene, nylon or other similar materials known in the art andwhich effectively has a diameter which is substantially equivalent tothe crown member 6 or base member 4. Additionally, a plurality ofsupport fins 20 may be used to provide structural support to thethreaded coupling 12.

[0055] The crown member 6 is sized and designed to be threaded onto theupper end of the tubular stem 8. The crown member 6 has a substantiallyplanar upper surface which is interconnected to a cylindrical memberwhich has a plurality of integral threads extending downwardly toreceive the tubular stem 8. Similar to the base member 4, a plurality ofsupport fins 20 may be used to provide structural support between thesubstantially planar upper surface and the downwardly extending integralthreaded portion. Additionally, the substantially planar upper surfaceof the crown member 6 may include a plurality of alignment tabs 14 whichare oriented at substantially right angles. The alignment tabs 14 aredesigned to abut an edge surface of a concrete paver 28, wood deckingmaterial 26 or any other type of building surface. Preferably, thealignment tabs 14 are comprised of a brittle plastic material which areintegrally interconnected to the upper planar surface of the crownmember 6 during manufacturing. The alignment tabs 14 are brittle toallow an installer to selectively break off one or more of the alignmenttabs 14 during installation. Further, all of the alignment tabs 14 maybe quickly broken off by the use of a hammer or other similar tool toprovide a substantially flat surface.

[0056] Referring now to FIG. 4, an upper perspective view of anassembled adjustable support piece 2 is provided along with a non-skidshim pad 16 shown to the right. The non-skid shim pad 16 is preferablycomprised of a rubber type material which fits on the upper planarsurface of the crown member 6. The slots positioned in the non-skid shimpad 16 are designed to matingly fit around the alignment tabs 14. Whenin place, the non-skid shim pad effectively prevents the concrete pavers28 or other building materials from sliding and slipping on top of theplastic upper planar surface of the crown member 6. Although other typeof materials could be used for the same purpose such as felt, clothfabrics and other similar materials appreciated by one skilled in theart, products which have a substantially high coefficient of frictionare most desirable.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 5 the adjustable support piece 2 is shownin an exploded view which identifies the base member 4, the tubular stem8, the crown member 6, and a crown spacer 22 positioned on top of thecrown member 6 and below the non-skid shim pad 16. The crown spacer 32is designed to matingly engage the upper surface of a typical crownmember 6 by fitting around the alignment tabs 14, and thus providingapproximately 0.75 inches in increased height to the adjustable supportpiece 2. In a preferred embodiment the crown spacer 22 is about 0.5 -0.75 inches high, although lengths ranging from about 1 inch to 4 inchesmay be used. Additionally, the crown spacer 22 preferably has aplurality of alignment tabs 14 extending vertically therefrom which aresimilar to the crown member 6, and are used for the same purpose toprevent movement of the building surface.

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention is provided. More specifically, a front perspective view isshown with the crown member 6 disconnected from the tubular stem 8 andbase member 4. However, as shown in the drawing the tubular stem 8 isintegrally interconnected to an upper planar portion of the base member4, as opposed to being an independent component as seen in FIGS. 1-4.This embodiment allows the crown member 6 to be screwed down over thetubular stem 8 until contact is made with the upper planar surface ofthe base member 4, and thus significantly reducing the total length ofthe adjustable support piece 2. In fact, the total length between thelower planar surface of the base member 4 and the upper planar surfaceof the crown member 6 is only 2.25 inches. Thus, this configurationallows the adjustable support piece to be used in locations where thetotal vertical distance between the upper building surface and lowerbuilding surface is very small, i.e., less than about 2.5 inches.

[0059] Referring now to FIG. 7, a front perspective view of oneembodiment of the present invention is provided herein which is designedto support a cylindrical pipe 54 or other similar device. FIG. 7Adepicts the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 with the pipe 54 removed forclarity. As shown in this particular embodiment, the adjustable supportmember 2 is comprised of a base member 4 and a crown member 6 with athreaded tubular stem 8. The crown member 6 further comprises an arcuateshaped pipe support 62 which is designed to substantially fit theprofile or external circumference of a pipe 54 or other similarmaterial. As appreciated by one skilled in the art, the arcuate shapedpipe support 62 on the crown 6 may have any number of diameters orshapes depending on the size and diameter of the pipe.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a lowfriction glide roller 64 is provided to allow for expansion andcontraction of the pipe 54, and which is made of a polypropylene,polyethylene, teflon or other similar materials with a low coefficientof friction. As appreciated by one skilled in the art, based on thedesired elevation of the pipe 54 the adjustable support piece 2 may beselectively rotated upward or downward into the base member 4 to adjustthe elevation of the pipe 54 as necessary. Further, the crown 6 may becomprised of a selectively removable head 40 in a preferred embodimentwhich can be selectively removed or attached to the crown, and which canbe quickly interchanged as necessary.

[0061] Referring now to FIG. 8-8G, numerous embodiments of the presentinvention are shown herein which are used to support one or morebuilding materials typically used in the construction industry. Theseinclude 2×4 studs, 4×4 studs, facia boards and other similar materials.Referring now to FIG. 8 and 8A, in this particular embodiment aselectively removable multi-purpose head member 40 is provided with aplurality of alignment braces 42 positioned at substantially rightangles to support a building stud 56 or other similar materials whichare positioned at right angles.

[0062]FIG. 8D represents an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention wherein a facia/rim joist may be positioned against onealignment brace 42. FIG. 8B depicts an alternative embodiment wherein apair of opposing alignment braces 42 are adapted for supporting two 2×4building studs 56, or one 4×4 building stud. FIG. 8C is an alternativeembodiment wherein three 2×4 studs 56 may be supported by opposingalignment braces 42. FIG. 8E is a front perspective view of theembodiment shown in FIG. 8B, and identifying the position of the stud 56during use. As appreciated by one skilled in the art, the geometricconfiguration of the alignment braces 42 are almost limitless, and canbe designed to support or align any type of building material, includingstuds 56, facie boards, grating 48, pavers, etc.

[0063] Referring now to FIG. 8F-8G, the adjustable support piece 2 withthe multipurpose head 40 is shown in use with a plurality of studs 56and building planks 52 which are positioned on top of the adjustablesupport piece 2. As depicted in this drawing, numerous embodiments ofthe present invention may be used in one particular design to supportone or more building materials in a preferred design layout. Asadditionally seen in FIG. 8F-8G, sloped compensation shims 50 may beused as necessary to support the adjustable support pieces 2 in avertical relationship when used on inclined flooring or a non-levelground surface to assure that the building materials are level.

[0064] Referring now to FIGS. 9-9C, an alternative embodiment of themulti-purpose head member 40 of the present invention is shown herein.More specifically, in FIG. 9 the multi-purpose head 40 is shown detachedfrom the adjustable support piece crown member 6, and which is held inplace with one or more attachment pins 44 which are selectively alignedwith one or more securement apertures 46. As further appreciated by oneskilled in the art, other types of attachment means may be used toselectively attach and remove the multi-purpose head member 40 from thecrown 6 of the adjustable support piece 2. The multi-purpose head 40 inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 9 is adapted with a rotating slot 60 whichis adapted for use with a flathead screwdriver or other similar deviceto rotate the multi-purpose head 40 with respect to the base member 4and to either raise or lower the elevation of the adjustable supportpiece as necessary.

[0065]FIG. 9A of the present invention is a front cross-sectionalelevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 taken at line “AA”,while FIG. 9B is a top plan view of FIG. 9A shown with a piece ofgrating 48 positioned thereon. FIG. 9C is an alternative embodiment ofthe invention shown in FIG. 9 which uses an alternative type of drivehead suitable for use with an allen wrench, hex wrench or other type oftool with a preferred geometric profile. As appreciated by one skilledin the art, the geometric shape or design of the multi-purpose head 40and associated alignment pin 58 may be any various shape or size basedon the required needs of the contractor or home builder.

[0066] Referring now to FIG. 10, an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention is shown herein wherein the multi-purpose head 40 iscomprised of a single, substantially cubed shaped alignment pin 58 whichis adapted for positioning a sheet of grating 48, as shown in the topplan view of FIG. 10B. FIG. 10A represents a front elevation view ofFIG. 10, and further identifies the attachment pins 44 which are used toselectively interconnect the multi-purpose head 40 to the crown member 6of the adjustable support piece 2.

[0067] Referring now to FIG. 11-11B, yet another embodiment of thepresent invention is shown herein in perspective, front elevation andplan views, respectively. More specifically, two alignment pins 58 areprovided on the multi-purpose head 40 and which are adapted for engagingtwo distinct sheets of grating material 48 as shown in FIG. 11B.

[0068] Referring now to FIG. 12, yet another embodiment of the presentinvention is provided herein which is shown in a front elevation view inFIG. 12 and a top plan view in FIG. 12A. In this embodiment, themulti-purpose head 40 is comprised of four distinct alignment pins 58which are spaced to receive between one or four sheets of gratingmaterial in a given orientation. As appreciated by one skilled in theart, the multi-purpose head 40 and associated alignment braces 42 andattachment pins 44 may be comprised of a plastic material such aspolypropylene, polyethylene, fiberglass, wood, metal or other similarmaterials. Furthermore, although drawings identify attachment pins 44for interconnection to the crown member 6 of the adjustable supportpiece 2, other types of attachment means commonly known in the art maybe suitable for the same purpose. More specifically, adhesives, clamps,brackets, screws, nails, and other types of attachment hardware may besuitable for selectively interconnecting the multi-purpose head 40 tothe crown member 6 of the adjustable support piece 2 to provide asuitable work surface which is adapted to support one of a number oftypes of construction materials such as building planks 52, gratingmaterials 48, pipes 54 or other similar materials which require supportin the construction industry.

[0069] For clarity purposes, a detailed list of the various componentsof the present invention and the associated numbering is providedherein. Number Component  2 Adjustable support piece  4 Base member  6Crown member  8 Tubular stem 10 Threads 12 Threaded coupling 14Alignment tabs 16 Non-skid shim pad 18 Base apertures 20 Support fins 22Crown spacer 24 Compacted soil 26 Wood decking 28 Concrete paver 30Drainage weep holes 32 Crown member upper planar surface 34 Base memberupper planar surface 36 Tubular stem first end 38 Tubular stem secondend 40 Multi-purpose head 42 Alignment braces 44 Attachment pins 46Securement apertures 48 Grating 50 Shims 52 Building plank 54 Pipes 56Stud 58 Alignment pin 60 Rotating slot 62 Pipe support 64 Glide roller

[0070] While various embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed in detail, it is apparent that modification and adaptations ofthose embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it isto be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations arewithin the scope of the present invention as set forth in the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A removable, multi-purpose head adapted forselective use with a vertically adjustable support member, comprising: asubstantially planar surface; an attachment means interconnected to alower surface of said substantially planar surface which is adapted forremovable interconnection to said vertically adjustable support member;and an alignment means interconnected to an upper surface of saidsubstantially planar surface which is adapted for at least one ofsupporting, aligning or positioning an object at a specific location. 2.The removable, multi-purpose head of claim 1, wherein said attachmentmeans comprises at least one pin projecting substantially downward whichis adapted for operable engagement to an upper surface of a crownpositioned on said vertically adjustable support member.
 3. Theremovable multi-purpose head of claim 1, wherein said attachment meanscomprises a plurality of apertures extending through said substantiallyplanar surface which are adapted to receive an attachment hardware. 4.The removable, multi-purpose head of claim 1, wherein said alignmentmeans comprises at least one alignment pin projecting upward in asubstantially vertical direction which is operatively sized to receivean aperture in a sheet of grating material.
 5. The removable,multi-purpose head of claim 1, wherein said alignment means comprises apair of opposing rails extending substantially upwardly which areadapted for receiving a building material such as a structural stud. 6.The removable, multi-purpose head of claim 1, wherein said alignmentmeans comprises an arcuate shaped support mechanism adapted forsupporting a pipe.
 7. The multi-purpose head of claim 1, wherein saidarcuate shaped support mechanism further comprises a glide rollerinterconnected thereto.
 8. The removable, multi-purpose head of claim 1,wherein said alignment means comprises a plurality of upwardlyprojecting alignment pins which are adapted for orienting a buildingmaterial.
 9. The removable, multi-purpose head of claim 1, wherein saidalignment means comprises four vertically extending rails positioned inan opposing relationship, wherein two distinct building materials may bepositioned at substantially right angles to one another.
 10. Theremovable, multi-purpose head of claim 1, wherein said alignment meanscomprises a cylindrical shaped post extending upwardly in asubstantially vertical direction.
 11. The removable, multi-purpose headof claim 1, further comprising an elevation adjustment means whichfacilitates rotating said vertically adjustable support member to loweror raise said vertically adjustable support member.
 12. The removable,multi-purpose head of claim 1, wherein said elevation adjustment meanscomprises a drive head which is adapted for receiving at least one of ascrewdriver, an allen wrench, and a torx wrench.
 13. A method adaptedfor selectively adjusting a height of a building surface, comprising thesteps of: determining an approximate height requirement of the buildingsurface; cutting a threaded tubular stem with a first end and a secondend with a crown interconnected thereto to accommodate said approximateheight requirement; interconnecting a base member to a first end of asaid tubular stem, to form an adjustable support piece; adjusting atotal length of said adjustable support piece by rotating said threadedtubular stem, wherein said crown can be positioned at a desired verticalelevation; and attaching a head portion to said crown, said head portionhaving a geometric profile adapted to support, align or position anobject in a specific vertical or horizontal location.
 14. The method ofclaim 13, wherein said attaching step comprises engaging at least onepin which extends downwardly from a lower surface of said head portioninto at least one aperture in said crown.
 15. The method of claim 13,wherein said attaching step comprises applying an adhesive between alower surface of said head portion and an upper surface of said crown.16. The method of claim 13, wherein said attaching step comprisesinterconnecting said head portion to said crown portion with a piece ofhardware.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein said geometric profile ofsaid head comprises at least one rail adapted to align a substantiallyplanar building material.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein saidgeometric profile of said head comprises at least one upwardlyprojecting alignment pin.
 19. The method of claim 13, wherein saidgeometric profile of said head comprises at least one non-linear shapedcradle which is adapted for supporting a pipe.
 20. The method of claim13, wherein said head portion further comprises an elevation adjustmentmeans which is adapted for receiving at least one of a screwdriver, analien wrench, a crescent wrench and a torx wrench.
 21. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising the step of interconnecting a coupling anda non-threaded second tubular stem to said tubular stem to increase atotal length of said adjustable support piece.
 22. The method of claim13, wherein at least a portion of said adjustable support piece iscomprised of a plastic material.
 23. An apparatus adapted forselectively adjusting and aligning an object in a preferred vertical andhorizontal location, comprising: a base; a tubular stem having threadson at least a first end and a second end, said first end threadinglyengaged to said base; a crown interconnected to said second end of saidtubular stem; a head having an upper surface with an alignment means forsupporting, or aligning an object, and a lower surface with anattachment means for selectively interconnecting said head to saidcrown.